Friday’s game
Who: Circleville (8-2) at Valley View (9-1), 7:30 p.m.
Where: Barker Field, 110 Comstock St., Germantown
Playoff history: Circleville is 1-5 in five appearances; Valley View is 30-13 in 16 appearances
Drew Whisman has found success with a full-blast mentality on the football field.
The Valley View High School senior was thrilled to get a chance to play defensive tackle this season after manning an O-tackle position in 2012, and he’s responded with some sterling statistics.
Whisman has registered a team-leading nine sacks, 16 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles for the Spartans, who will have their first home playoff game since 2005 on Friday when they face Circleville in a Division IV, Region 14 opener.
“If I get the opportunity to pass rush, my attitude is to make the most of it,” Whisman said. “I was happy to help my team as an O-tackle last year, but I was really wanting to play defense this year.”
Valley View coach Kris Ketron knew the 6-foot, 215-pound Whisman had the potential to be a dynamo on the D-line, but he needed to take care of his responsibilities before attacking the opposing backfield.
“We never want a guy to slow down,” Ketron said. “We like Drew going fast. We like his motor going. But it’s got to move in the right direction.”
Ketron said it took some “fine-tuning” of Whisman’s mind-set to maximize his ability. The process has taken some time, but clearly it’s working.
“I had to do my own job to benefit our defensive scheme,” Whisman said. “As the season progressed, I was understanding our defense more. You have to see the big picture. When we’re all doing our jobs, everybody shines.”
Ketron liked what he saw of Whisman’s speed and agility last spring, and the coaching staff decided the D-line was the best place for him.
“He literally came to me in August on the practice field, looked me square in the eye and said, ‘I want to be the most technically sound defensive lineman that I can possibly be,’ ” Ketron said.
“He was pretty excited to play defense, so he was willing to make the commitment to the 11-man unit to be in the right spot as opposed to just wanting to fly up the field and go hit the quarterback every time.”
Whisman and fellow seniors Sean Evans and Logan Shrout rotate in the Spartans’ two tackle spots. Juniors Austin Warner and Matt Valenti are the ends.
Whisman described himself as “undersized. I wouldn’t be somebody that would necessarily be seen as a threat.”
“I’ve had a defensive mind-set my entire life,” he continued. “I used to play linebacker. As I progressively got bigger, I moved to the line.”
Senior linebacker Shane Hannah and Whisman are tied for the team lead in tackles for loss. Hannah is the overall tackle leader with 105, followed by senior safety Mike Valenti (85), senior linebacker Ben Hoog (59) and Whisman (53).
Valley View pitched a shutout last week against Brookville, and the Spartans have outscored their last three opponents by an 86-21 margin.
Whisman is like so many players on the VVHS roster, a kid who grew up wanting to play for the Spartans someday. He’s had numerous relatives go through the program.
“There’s not a better tradition than being able to put on the blue helmet and blue jersey and go represent your friends and family and community on the football field,” Whisman said. “I love it. It’s the best feeling in the world.”
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